The team comprised of Aman Shukla, BA.LLB(IIIrd year), Nikita Chaudhary BA.LLB(IIIrd year), Syed Shiraz Fazal BA.LLB(Ist year) has recently qualified for the International Rounds of the 1st Prof. N.R Madhava Menon SAARC Mooting Competition. The National rounds were held at LLoyd Law College, Greater Noida on 9-10 January, 2016.

We are sharing their experience in this post.

What made you choose the moot in the first place?

This moot came in a flash in front of us as it was first of its kind. We came to know that our college itself is organizing this 1st Prof. N. R. Madhav Menon SAARC Mooting Competition.Taking a moot outside your college is an ordinary run-of-the-mill task, as you have an option to eclipse your faux pas in front of your college mates while telling your story to them. But you need to be dauntless if you are competing for a national mooting championship in your college itself, because everybody will be curious to know about your progress even if they don’t care a shit for you. You need to be audacious to take this moot, yet we wanted to do it because of its challenging constitutional law problem which was prima facie stimulating and thought-provoking.

How was the process of preparation? How did you go about the entire stage?

Preparation for a moot is generally a hectic one but for this moot we had an inner instinct to nail it, and that’s why we dedicated about a month for it. We had lengthy long hour discussions amongst ourselves and thorough research of each and every aspect of our problem. Every-day we tend to divide various questions and meet up the next day with our homework done. We had made a streamline research technique and didn’t leave a single scope of doubt in our minds.

How was it like working with the team? What do you think are your team’s fortes? What were the roadblocks?

We had a whatsapp group called “VIJAYI BHAV” and the result actually maintained that name very well. It was a splendid experience to work with the team as an environment of encouragement always prevailed. The teams fortes represent research work and the systematic presentation of the research .Moreover,mutual coordination was our USP, and at last our hard work paid off well enough.

How many teams were you up against in the competition? Which team would you consider to be your toughest competition?

There was a total number of 32 teams from all over the country with their bags full of armaments, they were all great.It being a two round competition where only 5 teams were to be selected for the International rounds, made it even more challenging and unique.

What message would you like to pass on to the mooters and the non-mooters?

Mooting is a skill. It’s an art of advocacy. You need to be clear with your contentions and should already be prepared for every possible question that can be raised. Then only you can convince the judge and eventually the ball will be in your court. If you are passionate and dedicated enough then it’ll come to you by time. No need to worry for that.

For non mooters, if you have interest in mooting then only go for it. But mark my words, you won’t regret for any of your moot because at the end of the day it’ll enlighten you and will enhance your knowledge, no matter whether you win it or not.

Your comments on the level of competition and the organisation of the competition?

The level of competition was very high as it was manifest that each team had prepared brilliantly and at the end of the competition every team succeeded in impressing their counterparts. The organisation of the competition was very good considering that it was the first SAARC Moot Court Competition.

Finally, a quick comment on mooting at Lloyd Law College.

Lloyd Law College presents every student with an opportunity to evolve into competitive mooters and researchers. The MCC of our college is highly active and has been performing very well. Moreover, It fosters the spirit of advocacy present within every law student. Thus, it is an institution truly serving the cause of legal education

How did u felt when you came to know that you will not be able to participate in the International Rounds?

Yeah it hurts!. But nevertheless sky is the limit. One never runs out of opportunities, it’s just that you need to grab it at the earliest. And one should never forget “Whatever happens, happens for the best.”